Translation in to english of Hindu Prayers written in Sanskrit, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi by P.R.Ramachander

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Panchayudha Stotram

Panchayudha StotramTranslated byP.R.Ramachander(This prayer is addressed to the five weapons of Lord Vishnu viz Holy wheel (Sudarshana), Conch (Pancha Janya), Mace(Gomodhakee), Sword and bow(Sarngam). They are considered as great sages in the service of Lord Vishnu. Sudarshana the holy wheel is supposed to be made by Viswakarma out of the dust got out of sawing Lord Sun, to reduce his harshness. This became necessary because Viswakarma’s daughter was married to Lord Vishnu. His conch is Pancha janya. There was an Asura called Panchaja who was hiding himself in a conch. This asura abducted the son of the teacher of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna waged a war against Panchaja and killed him. He retained the conch for his use.Another story is that Panchajanya was one of the product churning the milky ocean. His mace was made out of the bone of one Rakshasa called Gadha who was the son of sage Kashyapa by Viswakarma and presented to Lord Vishnu. His bow Sarnga was supposed to be made by God Brahma and presented to Lord Vishnu. A very detailed commentary of this stotra along with very imposing pictures are available in http://www.ibiblio.org/sadagopan/ahobilavalli/5ayudam.pdf. I have only atempted a simple translation.)

I surrender always to the sword of Lord Vishnu,Which is hard , powerful and shines red due to the blood,Which flows when it cuts the heads of Rakshasas,And which is called Nandaka and shines in the hand of the Lord.

In the middle of forest or war or among enemies,Or when surrounded by water or fire,Or unexpected dangers or during great fears ,If the worried man reads this prayer,He would be happy as this provides all round protection.